Kell Brook tribute fight for Ricky Hatton receives new date and venue after postponement

Kell Brook’s comeback fight against Eisa Al Dah has been moved to Manchester, the home city of the late, great Ricky Hatton.

The event, billed as ‘Destiny in the Desert’, was originally set to be headlined by Hatton and Al Dah.

Getty

But after the beloved British boxer was found dead in his house in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in September, former IBF welterweight titlist Brook stepped in to box in his memory.

Brook-Al Dah was initially scheduled for February 13 in Dubai, but was postponed to April 11, before being pushed back once again.

Organisers Agenda Dubai stated that the fight would no longer be able to take place in Dubai due to the temporary operational and travel restrictions in the United Arab Emirates, following a series of drone attacks on the country.

Agenda Dubai founder, Martin P. Gravestock, said in a statement: “Dubai remains an outstanding international host city.

“However, if the fighters cannot come to Dubai, then we’ll bring the fight to Manchester- to Ricky’s home.”

The fight has now been rescheduled to July 18 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

Tickets will go on sale on April 1.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Al Dah said: “This fight means everything to me.

“After the loss of Ricky, and Kell Brook stepping in to replace him, I will continue to honour Ricky’s legacy.

“Now I have the opportunity to do that in his hometown – in his own backyard.”

Instagram - Agenda Dubai

The undercard will feature the next generation of the Hatton dynasty.

Ricky’s nephew and niece, Jack and Lola, as well as his son Campbell, will compete in exhibition bouts on the bill.

Jack, 18, and Lola, 14, are both promising amateurs.

Lola is an England School National finalist, and Jack is a three-time national champion.

Campbell, 25, boxed 16 times as a professional (14-2), hanging up his gloves in 2024 after suffering back-to-back losses to James Flint.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Ricky Hatton Foundation, a mental health charity set up by the two-weight world champion.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.